Abu Dhabi free zone, ADGM
Set up your company in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an award-winning international financial centre strategically located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Created by the Abu Dhabi Government as a catalyst for its ambitious growth plans, its jurisdiction extends across the entire Al Maryah Island. Since opening for business in late October 2015, its three independent authorities, the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and ADGM Courts, ensure a business-friendly environment aligned with international best practice and recognised by major financial centres worldwide.
- Common-law financial centre
- Independent regulator (FSRA)
- Own ADGM Courts
- 100% foreign ownership
Why ADGM
A global financial centre in the capital.
Created by the Abu Dhabi Government as a catalyst for growth, ADGM offers an internationally recognised, business-friendly network built around three independent authorities and aligned with global best practice.
Common-law framework
A legal system based directly on English common law.
FSRA regulation
An independent, internationally respected financial regulator.
ADGM Courts
Independent English-language courts for commercial disputes.
100% ownership
Own your company outright on Al Maryah Island.
Innovation network
A leading regional hub for fintech and innovation.
Global recognition
An highly regarded centre recognised by major financial hubs.
Who ADGM is for
Designed for finance, fintech and professional services. and the firms behind it.
ADGM is best suited to regulated financial firms, fintech and neo-banking businesses, and the advisory firms that support them.
Financial services
Banks, advisors and FSRA-regulated financial firms.
Funds & asset management
Fund managers and investment vehicles.
Family offices
Wealth structuring and single or multi-family offices.
Fintech & innovation
Fintech ventures via ADGM's innovation programmes.
Professional services
Law firms, consultancies, audit and corporate services.
Holding companies
Prestigious holding and headquarters structures.
Some ADGM activities are regulated by the FSRA and others are non-regulated. We confirm which route applies before you commit.
What it costs
ADGM company setup cost.
ADGM cost depends heavily on whether your activity is regulated, your office and your visas, so a quote based on your exact needs is more accurate than a single advertised price. These are the parts that make up the figure.
Registration and license
ADGM Registration Authority application and the relevant license.
Regulatory fees
For FSRA-regulated activities, an application and supervision fee.
Office space
ADGM requires commercial space on Al Maryah Island.
Visas and immigration
Establishment card and each residence visa for your team.
How we help
From activity to licensed in ADGM.
- 01
Scope your activity
We confirm whether your activity is regulated or non-regulated.
- 02
Structure and apply
We set the right structure and file with the Registration Authority.
- 03
Office and license
We secure ADGM office space and obtain your license.
- 04
Visas and bank
We arrange residence visas and introduce your bank.
Why FZM
Dedicated Senior Advisor.
You will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor from day one. Your advisor will assess your requirements, identify the most suitable jurisdictions, manage the entire application process, and remain your long-term point of contact for ongoing guidance and support.
- Common law
- Independent jurisdiction
- 1,500+
- Companies formed
- 15+
- Years in the UAE
- FSRA
- Internationally respected regulator
Keep exploring
More on setting up in Abu Dhabi.
Good to know
ADGM questions, answered.
- What is ADGM and what makes it different?
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an highly regarded international financial centre on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, open since 2015. Unlike a standard free zone, it has its own common-law framework, an independent regulator in the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and its own ADGM Courts. That combination attracts global financial institutions, funds and family offices.
- Who should set up in ADGM?
- ADGM suits financial services firms, fund and asset managers, family offices, fintech ventures, and the professional services that support them, such as law firms, consultancies and audit firms. It also suits prestigious holding and headquarters structures. If you do not need a financial-centre environment, a standard free zone may be more cost-effective.
- What is the difference between regulated and non-regulated ADGM firms?
- Financial activities in ADGM are regulated by the FSRA and require regulatory approval, which adds time, capital and supervision requirements. Many activities, such as holding companies, professional services and some innovation businesses, are non-regulated and follow a lighter process. We confirm which route applies to your activity before you commit.
- How much does it cost to set up in ADGM?
- ADGM cost varies depending on whether your activity is regulated, the office you take on Al Maryah Island and how many visas you need. The main components are registration and license fees, any FSRA regulatory fees, office space and visas. We confirm an all-in quote based on your needs for your specific activity.
- How is ADGM structured?
- ADGM operates through three independent authorities: the Registration Authority, which handles company registration; the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), which regulates financial activity; and ADGM Courts, which handle disputes. Together they keep the environment business-friendly and aligned with international best practice.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.